Adam Berry is reporting that Nick Burdi underwent his second Tommy John surgery last month and will miss the 2021 season. Facing today’s deadline for activating players from the 45-day injured list, the Pirates will designate Burdi for assignment. Burdi’s 2020 season was cut short after two appearances by an injury that the Pirates ultimately called a “significant forearm strain.” At some unknown point (given the team’s newfound commitment to increased “transparency”), the diagnosis evidently gave way to a second ligament replacement.
Burdi seems likely to clear waivers. He still hasn’t satisfied the roster requirements under Rule 5, but he’s eligible for minor league free agency now. I think that means that, if nobody claims him off waivers, he simply becomes a free agent. The Pirates could try to sign him to a minor league deal.
